3 dead, 1 missing as LPA hits Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - Three died and another one went missing due to a low pressure area that affected parts of Northern Mindanao.

In a report released Friday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the low pressure area caused floods and landslide in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.

The fatalities were identified as Esperanza Cabanilla, 84, of Misamis Oriental, who died of drowning; and Bukidnon residents Richard Sumalhay, 40, and Rodencio Kailaw, both dying of asphyxia due to a landslide. 

A certain Nelson Demaclid, 40, of Bukidnon went missing after being carried away by a strong current.

NDRRMC said the low pressure area damaged 126 houses in Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental. 

It also affected 803 families or 3,770 persons in 15 barangays. Of the affected population, 162 families or 758 persons are still inside 10 evacuation centers. 

Meanwhile, a total of 8,435 families were affected in a flash flood that hit Kabacan, Cotabato. 

NDRRMC said 162 families are now staying in two evacuation centers. 

The flash flood in Cotabato started last Tuesday and led to the overflowing of Pulangi and Kabacan Rivers.